After investigating just two years ago, the ANWB concluded: “Even though you have to pay to use the toilet, toilets along the motorway are often downright dirty.” Things appear to be improving very slowly, as oil companies such as Shell and Total are now working with parties such as 2theloo and One Hundred Restrooms.
Shell is currently in the process of converting twenty Shell Cafés, including 2 theloo toilets. “We have already rolled out fourteen apps, with five more this year and even more coming next year,” a spokesperson said. “We believe that by working with 2theloo we have been able to improve toilets.”
Shell says the collaboration ensures toilets receive the attention they deserve and are cleaned and refreshed in a timely manner. The usage fee is 80 cents. This is a very high price, but in return the customer receives a coupon that he can use to get a discount when buying a sandwich or coffee in the store, for example.
Cooperation with Total
2theloo’s rival, One Hundred Restrooms, works with Total. “We currently have an agreement with TotalEnergies for 22 gas stations. It is very difficult for a gas station to prioritize restrooms and keep the environment clean. You have to have an overview,” says Mariëlle Romeijn from One Hundred.
The company devotes a large portion of its revenue to keeping the toilets in the best possible condition. “Unfortunately, we often see the system being used incorrectly at other gas stations. The idea was: we can open a door like this and make money because people have to go to the toilet anyway. And then nothing is done about it.” additional cleaning. “This is very bad, of course.”
The face now also charges 80 cents from visitors. Research shows that there is a close connection between what people are willing to pay and their experiences. “People are willing to pay more as long as the experience is good. How far can you go? “We conducted a European survey two years ago, and although it varied from country to country, visitors were willing to pay an average of 1.19 euros.”
More toilets outsourced
Romeijn sees growing cross-party interest in outsourcing toilet maintenance: “Petrol companies are investing heavily in charging stations and other facilities at the gas station. “For example, electric charging allows people to stay there longer, and you need to respond to that.” “
Shariff El Aroussi comes from the Jongeneel family business, which operates several gas stations in the Netherlands. Sometimes he can’t believe what he sees with his own eyes in the toilets: “Clogging caused by rolled toilet paper in the toilet, feces smeared on the walls. What happens to these people? You don’t do this at home.” You?” In Jongeneel you have to pay 50 euro cents.
Tim Schoenmakers from the Petrol Stations Interest Association tells NOS Radio 1 Journaal that a barrier such as a door is always a good thing. “It used to be the woman on the plate who glared at you angrily, so you politely paid and washed your hands. Such a door is its modern version. Because when something is free it seems like it has no value and people start ignoring it. They act strange, urinate frequently, etc. You don’t want this.
Source: NOS
Roy Brown is a renowned economist and author at The Nation View. He has a deep understanding of the global economy and its intricacies. He writes about a wide range of economic topics, including monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade, and labor markets.
